Lawn Watering Tips

You love your lawn and want it to thrive throughout the seasons. That’s why you invest in a professional lawn care program and pay close attention to your mowing and watering practices. Sometimes, however, it’s difficult to discern whether you are giving your lawn too little attention or entirely too much. With ever-changing weather patterns, humidity, and unpredictable precipitation, it isn’t always easy to maintain the delicate balance between watering the right amount and drenching the lawn.

Here are a few helpful tips from your local Weed Man to help you stay on the healthy side of your H20 practices:

The Right Time to Water Your Lawn

Although many homeowners tend to have more leisure time in the evening hours, night time truly isn’t the best for watering your lawn. Evening watering causes water to become stagnant, as there is no sunlight to help moisture absorb into the soil and dry up excess droplets. To ensure you don’t fall into the trap of overwatering, water in the early mornings only. This will improve water penetration and keep your lawn free of moisture-loving turf disease. 

Watering Your Lawn After Rainfall

It is important to keep in mind that lawns only require approximately one inch of water per week to thrive. To ensure optimal water usage, measure how much rainfall you receive in your area by placing empty tuna cans on your lawn. A full can means your turf has received the allotted one inch and does not require supplemental irrigation. If the tuna can does not fill up, on the other hand, you will need to provide an additional water source to keep your grass in top form. Rain sensors also assist in measuring precipitation patterns, allowing homeowners to determine whether irrigation is a necessary step. Both options provide affordable solutions for conserving our water supply and saving money along way.

How Long to Water Your Lawn

Deliver water deeply and infrequently to encourage a healthy root system. This can be accomplished by watering an area of the lawn for 45 minutes to an hour using your sprinkler system. A deep, even soak should create enough of a moisture reserve in the soil that you will not have to water the lawn again for several days.  

What to Use to Water Your Lawn

In lieu of your handheld garden hose, consider using a lawn sprinkler or a professionally installed irrigation system instead. This will help you disperse water more evenly throughout the yard and will prevent the formation of puddles, which can damage your grass and lead to harmful turf disease.

Monitor Weather & Temperatures

Lawns generally require about 1-1.5 inches of water per week to thrive. Pay attention to factors such as temperature, sunlight and natural rainfall patterns in your area. Warmer, drier weather may demand more frequent watering, while an influx of rain may require you to scale back your watering practices accordingly.

Be Water Smart

Position your sprinkler so that water reaches as much turf as possible. This will help curtail wasteful watering. 

Watch for Symptoms of Drought

Pay close attention to any changes in your lawn’s appearance. When your grass needs water, it will take on a bluish-gray tint. Footprints will also make a more visible mark on the lawn. When this occurs, water immediately regardless of the time of day.

Brought to you by Weed Man Lawn Care: we care for your lawn.